A motorcyclist sustained severe injuries in an Escondido car accident after he was hit by a vehicle that was making a turn. According to a news report in The North County Times, the injury crash occurred the morning of December 9, 2011, at the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and Ash Street. Police say the motorcyclist was traveling west on Lincoln when it collided with a pickup truck attempting a left turn. The rider was transported to an area hospital where he remains in critical condition. Anyone who has more information about this collision is asked to contact police at 760-839-4966.
My thoughts and prayers are with this motorcyclist who has apparently suffered major, possibly life-threatening injuries, in this crash. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were four fatalities and 30 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in Escondido. In San Diego County as a whole, 39 people died and 989 were injured in motorcycle accidents, during the same year.
The Law Relating to Left Turns
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the pickup truck may have failed to yield the right of way to the oncoming motorcycle. California Vehicle Code Section 21801 (a) states: “The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left or to complete a U-turn upon a highway, or to turn left into public or private property, or an alley, shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction which are close enough to constitute a hazard at any time during the turning movement, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to the approaching vehicles until the left turn or U-turn can be made with reasonable safety.”
Fault and Liability
If it is determined that the driver of the pickup truck caused the crash, then, he or she can be held liable for the victim’s injuries and damages. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. Motorcycle accident victims would be well advised to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.